The First of the Fallen

Jews attain a high level of unity... at funerals. Thus, at last night's funeral of Staff Sergeant Dvir Emmanueloff, the first Israeli soldier to fall in the Gaza War, the whole spectrum of the Jewish People was present. Black-hatted religious men with grey beards stood next to young men whose for-the-occasion kippa was clipped above their pony tails. Weeping young women, soldiers in uniform waiting to be called to the front (looking grave and a little scared), fellow residents of Givat Ze'ev (the Jerusalem suburb where Dvir had lived), and veterans who knew Mt. Herzl, Israel's National Military Cemetery, much too well -- all came to bury the soldier who had been killed yesterday morning in the vanguard of Israel's ground assault against Hamas terrorists.

This 22-year-old soldier had died so we can live in the Jewish homeland safe from the terror attacks of our enemies.

Most of the couple thousand mourners were like me and my husband, who had not known that Dvir lived until he died and the internet announced his death accompanied by a photo of a broadly-smiling, handsome young man. Why did we all venture out at almost midnight on this cold January night? Because it was a death in the family? No, Jews are buried every day. Rather, we came because we all knew that this 22-year-old soldier had died for us, for the ability of Jews to live in the Jewish homeland safe from the terror attacks of our enemies.

Dvir did not have to be there with his elite combat unit when they charged into Gaza Saturday night in an all-out effort to stop the rocket and missile attacks across Israel's southern border. He was in an officers' training course, exempt from fighting the war. On Friday afternoon he phoned his mother and told her that he had opted to leave the course in order to join his infantry unit, massed on the border of Gaza waiting for orders to attack. "Mom, I have to fight. I have to be there."

Dvir did not love fighting; he loved people. And he loved the Jews of southern Israel. He had attended yeshiva high school in the southern town of Netivot, now under attack by long-range missiles from Gaza. Dvir wanted to protect those people.

Through the eulogies at his funeral, I was introduced to Dvir. A rabbi who had been his high school teacher spoke. He told how this past summer on Tisha B'Av (the date of mourning for the destruction of the two Holy Temples), Dvir's unit was scheduled for arduous training exercises. Dvir could not reach his rabbi to ask if he was exempt from fasting, so he fasted. Running with heavy equipment on his back throughout the hot summer day, his friends implored him to drink, but Dvir persisted in his fast until a military rabbi ordered him to drink.

Dvir's older sister Hadas spoke, or tried to speak through her tears. She described her brother, who was helpful, fun, encouraging, and loving. Dvir had been a counselor of a religious youth group. Even after he entered the army, Dvir would call every one of his former charges on their birthdays to wish them well. He also sent each of them New Year's cards before Rosh Hashana.

Every single person who spoke mentioned Dvir's ever-present smile.

As the eulogies continued, the tragedy of Dvir's death deepened. The family's rabbi recounted how exactly two years and ten months ago, he sat by the hospital bed of Dvir's father and watched the machines monitoring his vital signs until they went silent. What? I thought. His mother buried her husband less than three years ago, and now she's burying her son?

Another speaker extended condolences to Dvir's mother and three sisters. What? I thought. He's an only son? His widowed mother is burying her only son? What was this boy doing risking his life in the terror-nest of Gaza?

Dvir's lifelong friend Amichai Peretz answered my anguished question. He told how both he and Dvir had lost their fathers shortly before entering the army. Dvir, now the man of the house, wrestled with the question of whether he should continue to pursue his dream to join a combat unit. Amichai had lost not only his father, but also his older brother, who was killed in action in Lebanon. Dvir went and spoke to Amichai's mother, keenly aware that serving in a combat unit could turn his own mother into a similar victim of double tragedy. In the end, as Amichai explained, "Dvir thought it was important to defend the country and the people in it."

"Dvir thought it was important to defend the country and the people in it."

Dvir was not fighting with his infantry unit in Gaza because he was heedless of the danger. He was fighting in spite of the danger. He was risking his life because he believed in something more valuable than his life: defending the lives of other Jews.

Two of the eulogies mentioned that Saturday night, hours before he died, Dvir recited the blessing on the moon. This monthly blessing is recited on the Saturday night after the moon, having disappeared into the darkness, again waxes into a clearly visible crescent of light. Our tradition compares the Jewish People to the moon; our fortunes wax and wane throughout history.

We in Israel today are surrounded by darkness: the rising tide of Radical Islam that threatens to engulf us, the nuclear bomb being prepared by Iran to destroy us, the international censure whenever we dare to defend ourselves, the decreasing identification of under-35 American Jews with Israel's fate, our own political corruption and turmoil, and the financial crisis that has devastated Jewish charities, leaving a third of Israeli children impoverished and hungry.

But all it takes for a Jew to make a blessing is seeing a sliver of light. The life of Dvir Emmanueloff and the thousands like him who are today risking their lives in Gaza for the sake of the Jewish nation are that sliver of light. May they be blessed.

Sara Yoheved Rigler is a popular international lecturer on subjects of Jewish spirituality. She has given lectures and workshops in Israel, England, France, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Panama, and over 35 American cities. She is one of the most popular authors on Aish.com, world’s biggest Judaism website, and is a columnist for Ami Magazine. Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of five best-sellers: Holy Woman; Lights from Jerusalem; Battle Plans: How to Fight the Yetzer Hara (with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller); G-d Winked; and Heavenprints . She gives a weekly Marriage Webinar for Jewish Workshops on a spiritual approach to marriage, with hundreds of members throughout the world. She lives in the Old City of Jerusalem. Her newest book, Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup, the story of Henny Machlis, the Brooklyn-born girl who became a Jerusalem legend, was was released in November, 2016. Her website is: sararigler.com.

Enough! Every INOCENT life is precious, and we must change our ways. Let's stop crying our sons and brothers, no more wars that just bring more war and hate to all of us.

(52)
Maureen Cohen,
January 26, 2009 4:14 PM

Shalom!

What I'm saying is, if we want different results, we must change the way we do things. We must fight but, we must be wise while doing it.

(51)
LadyDi,
January 15, 2009 8:25 AM

ENOUGH !!!

Too much hatred, too many lives lost in wars all over the world. Mothers bury their sons, daughters, husbands and brothers. Dvir, you made the ultimate sacrifice and millions of people thank and salute you. When G-d decides he's seen enough of this human madness and destroys this world we live in, I know I will go to heaven - but I will not ask G-d why he did this - we all know the answer. Enough. This has to stop....

(50)
Haim Levy,
January 13, 2009 10:20 PM

excellent article

As a close relative of Dvir who lives overseas I was very touched and moved by rebittzen Rigler who didn¨t even new him. Thank you very much.

(49)
ata,
January 13, 2009 12:11 PM

i am so proud to have Dvir as a fellow brother and member of my nation.

(48)
Andy,
January 10, 2009 10:40 AM

Another fallen hero

As another gaurdian angel of God has fallen to terrorist,we can say thank you for your service and dedication Dvir in the protection of Jews and Israel.As one vet to another ....I salute you Dvir for your bravery.May Hashem bring peace and compfort to your love ones who will always remember their gaurdian angle and their hero.
Shalom alechem.

(47)
Nomlas Fisher,
January 9, 2009 2:53 PM

to Maureen Cohen,Shalom to you.........

But! I am sorry to say, you are quite nieve,(sp?)in your thinking. You obviously are not familiar with Hamas,PLO,Fatah,or other members of Jeehad!! These people want Israel and ALL Jews dead and gone, how would you deal with these Terrorists??

(46)
Anonymous,
January 9, 2009 9:31 AM

Prayer of Gratitude, of Solidarity & for Peace

To all those who mourn the sacrifice and loss of Dvir Emmanueloff and all other soldiers, whether you be family, friends, or only a news reader who yearns for peace, may the peace of G-D comfort you, and continue to give you strength. The courage, strength and dedication of these soldiers are amazing. I pray for the day that their service will no longer be needed, that the hate which fuels Hamas will be extinguished, that the day of peace will turn into decades. Dare I dream to even say centuries? Know that your pain and the prayers you raise for peace and the safety of yourselves, your family, friends and neighbors are shared by many gentiles also. We love you and stand by you, as well as by the peace yearning Palestinians, of whom I'm sure there must be many. The hatred that burns inside the hearts of Hamas surely cannot be shared by all Palestinians. Prayerfully, one day the sacrifice of these soldiers will one day be known as the journey that lead to a lasting peace. The love and comfort of G-d be with you, Shalom.

WITH TEARS IN MY EYES, AND GREAT PAIN IN MY HEARTH, I FEEL YOUR LOSS, IS MY LOSS.
MAY HASHEM GIVE THE FAMILY COURAGE.
ESTHER MANOPLA.

(43)
Peggy Hoefl,
January 8, 2009 10:21 PM

Thank you for letting the world

know about this young man and what he did for Israel. There are many of us here in the United States who are praying for you all and your country. We stand with you and weep with you.

(42)
Anonymous,
January 8, 2009 6:43 PM

Wow! I'm in shock. May no other Israeli soldiers die. May Hashem hear our prayers and send the yeshua quickly. Have faith and all will be well.

(41)
Anonymous,
January 8, 2009 6:25 PM

To the family of Dvir Hy"d

To the family of Dvir Hy"d:
Tears are being shed for your beloved son and brother throughout the world, and prayers are being addressed to Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu that He comfort you and bless you and help you as only He can to overcome the loss of your cherished Dvir. His beautiful smile has been shown to us since the day he was niftar, and now his beautiful character, which you have always known, has been made known to us, also, via Aish and Sarah Yocheved Rigler. We are no longer strangers to you and to Dvir, we are your family, ma'aminim b'nei ma'aminim who believe that in the future we will be reunited with those who fell for the sake of Am Yisroel. May all the tears shed over Dvir be gathered up and reach G-d's throne, and serve as a merit to hasten the end of all our tzaros and the start of our redemption.

(40)
Maureen Cohen,
January 8, 2009 4:33 PM

To all of us

When Humanity overcomes Politics, a Peace Treat will be possible. Maybe that's all we need, stop focussing in the differences and respect inocent lives no matter what side of the border. Nothing justifies inocent victims. Every life is precious and is a waste when it is taken away. Maybe that's another lesson we all need to learn, to appreciate life and recognize it's real value.

(39)
R,
January 8, 2009 3:33 PM

they are all heroes

this poignant article brought tears to my eyes. thank you, Mrs. Rigler. as i read the comments that keep calling Dvir HY"D a hero, i feel that i must commend ALL our soldiers for their bravery and convictions. They are all heroes. We should not wait for their deaths G-d forbid to give them the titles that they deserve.

(38)
Allan,
January 8, 2009 3:17 PM

Thank You

May your dear and precious soul rest in peace - you and ALL Israel are in our hearts - G-D BLESS

(37)
Gert-Jan Fleming,
January 8, 2009 2:52 AM

Thanks what you did for Israel

Thanks Divr what you did for Israel. You are OUR hero and may you rest in PEACE.

(36)
Susan,
January 7, 2009 11:13 PM

To Mike Trachtenberg

I am almost at a loss for words. Put the Koolaid down, Mike. Remember what Golda said: There will be peace when the Arabs love their children as much as they hate ours. But you can't/won't/choose not to understand because you follow instead of think and feel. What would happen, Mike, if Hamas put down their weapons? What happened when Israel did? Divir loved peace. That is why he died for it.

(35)
Steve Skeete,
January 7, 2009 2:09 PM

Condolences

My deepest condolences to the mother and sisters of the late Dvir Emmanueloff. May you know intimately the peace and presence of God.
While all war is tragic, some wars are necessary. The one in which Dvir gave his life is necessary for the protection of many innocent lives.
Dvir is a hero of the highest order - one who puts other before self and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
May you, the dear one he has left behind, take comfort in his goodness and be strong. The prayers of many all across the world are with you.
Weeping may endure for a night. May your joy come in knowing that Dvir's sarifice was not in vain.

(34)
Daniel Gray,
January 7, 2009 1:28 PM

The meaning of a true hero!!

Dvir,
I never knew you but, in my heart i feel like i have always known you.
You have sacrificed your life for the sake of Jews in Israel and all over the world.Despite the fact that i am not in living Israel, you are and always will be part of my extended family.May you and the other soldiers who have fallen in battle rest in peace forever.
Shalom

(33)
druze officer,
January 7, 2009 11:08 AM

dvir is not the first one...

the first soldier hwo fallen in the war against the hamas is lotfi nasraldin, a druze soldier from dalyat el carmel'.

(32)
Rikki,
January 7, 2009 10:51 AM

thank you dvir for everything
your kindness
your love
you faith
you protection and concern for all fellow Jews
and the biggest thank you for you courage and loyalty
we hope that you sacrifice,your kiddush hashem will not be for nothing

(31)
Dvirah,
January 7, 2009 9:13 AM

Reply to Mike Trachtenberg

Mr. Trachtenberg, Israel could have had peace YESTERDAY if it depended only on Israel! Please note that it was Arafat who refused a compromise and broke off negociations, not Barak. Also that the Palestinians refuse to stop attacks no matter WHAT Israel offers or DOES (remember the withdrawal in 2005?). The only thing on the Palestinian's table is total destruction and anihilation of Israel. Read the other articles on the subject in this website!

(30)
Allan F.Hyatt,
January 7, 2009 8:53 AM

Thank you!

Divir, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that you have made for Israel and for Jewish people everywhere...rest in peace!

You have introduced us to Dvir Emmanueloff and I thank you for taking the time, the heart and the love to share his life with us. May H'Shem avenge the death of all who have given their life for Klal Yisrael. May the world come to see and know the truth of who we really are. We Jews not only respect our own lives, but the lives of all of H'Shem's creations.
May you continue to use your great gift of expression to give chizuk to us all.
Your friend, Devorah Deutsch

(28)
Mike Trachtenberg,
January 7, 2009 7:47 AM

What a waste

What a waste of precious life, when Israel could have peace tomorrow.
The Geneva Accords are waiting for an Israeli leader and enough people with vision and courage. Too bad Israel has none. We all know what happened to Yitzak Rabin, perhaps Israeli leaders with vision, are afraid of their own right wing. In any event until a leader emerges with the vision and courage to make the peace that is already "on the table" a reality, more bright young people will pay the ultimate price for the ignorance and cowardice of thier leadership.

(27)
Adina Hershberg,
January 7, 2009 5:28 AM

Am Yisrael thanks you, Dvir, and thank you, Sara Yocheved

A lot of tears must have been shed while writing this touching piece.

(26)
Elissa Grunwald,
January 6, 2009 9:38 PM

Thank You, Dvir from the USA

Dvir Emmanreloff for us you risked your life,
Dvir Emmanreloff you are my brother and for me you did fight!
A role model and mentor who showed strength and love.
May Hashem bless your family and they should know your early death was not for naught.
You loved your G-d and people and for your brethen, Klal Yisroel you fought.
My brother was the same age when he joined the IDF. A front line footsoldier. Proud and strong
For our people you did protect. The passion your sister spoke of was and Is still in my brother. I feel right now though that I lost a brother. To your mother and to all your sisters may we find comfort amoung the mourners of Zion.
Am echad v'lev echad
May we protect ourselves and our extended family and may we bring into this world wonderful, proud, holy and strong Jewish children live Dvir Emmanreloff.
Hero! May Hashem watch over you and all your brothers.

(25)
Johny,
January 6, 2009 7:17 PM

Dvir Emanuel Is IDF'Herro' HaShem' bless Him!

HaShem bless all the IDF, Killd by Terrorist In Gaza, Dvir, CaPt,Jonathan,yosef Muadi,Maj,Dagan Verman & Natai Stern! always Remeber you, you are the Herro for A Jewish people around the world & a Jewish STATE, state of Yisrael. you proud me what you did in Gaza to save your brothers & sisters to Live Our holy Land with Out faire. HaShem give you Strong blessing for 'IDF'Herroes Mothers & Fathers, your son Is always the Herro! belss you all! we exist for ever with HaSHem.Amen(toda Raba) Johny

(24)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 7:03 PM

thank you

thank you for writing this. reading all the other articles just gave the facts ,this really brought Dvir to life. may his family have a nechama.

(23)
Sylvia Benzaquen,
January 6, 2009 6:19 PM

A YOUNG HERO NAMED DVIR Z'L

B"H
Tears in my eyes, pain in my heart for someone I never new. He died AL KIDUSH HASHEM and for all of us members of the Sacred Jewish Nation. May Hakadosh baruch Hu Bless his memory and the life of his mother and sisters to continue this painful road to peace. AM ISRAEL CHAI.

(22)
elliott zerring,
January 6, 2009 6:18 PM

I grew up in brooklyn, ny over the years,I was fortunate to make so many friends some are now relatives.Ilove my israeli brothers and sisters.And yes I am a proud Zionist

(21)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 5:04 PM

IN LOVING MEMORY

Its easy to lose oneself in these events, how do we seek solace when young soldiers are dying for our nation? This is a circular question, many to which will be left unanswered and are in the hands of the almighty but one thing i do take comfort in is that for each and every soldier that has sacrificed their life, underneath the tears and heartache has at the same time enriched my soul with strength in the knowledge that israel is our true home.. For Dvir rest in peace and may G-d bless his family..

He is our son, our brother. In these times we are all one family his famiy's pain is our pain. There are no words. May Hashem help his Mother and sisters see the light in their darkness.

(18)
esti levy,
January 6, 2009 2:35 PM

May his soul rest in peace

This was a beautiful article on Dvir, A"H. Dvir was the son of my dad's first cousin, A"H. My family maintains a close relationship with his family until this day, and we even saw Dvir about a month ago in Israel. The last conversation I had with him sticks out in my mind- not so much for what was said but rather for the sweetness and kindness that emenated so clearly from him. He was a deeply beloved person by his family and friends and he will be missed. May his neshama have the highest aliyah, and may Hashem continue to watch over the rest of our chayalim.

(17)
Elisheva from Dallas, TX,
January 6, 2009 2:29 PM

What a beautiful and radiant smile! May Devri's memory be for a blessing for all who knew him and for those of us who can only now read about him after he gave his life's blood for the Land and for the People that he loved. May HaShem comfort his family and friends and may He avenge his blood and bring His peace to Y'rushalayim, the Land of Israel and her Peoples! May it come quickly and in our day!

(16)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 1:30 PM

Let us all undertake some worthiy deed, sopme Mitzva in this time to spiritualy support our soldiers.

We all feel bad, we all wish that we could help. Let us each undertake one deed, daily if possible as a spiritual encouragement and G-dly supplication to help our soldiers.

(15)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 1:21 PM

A hero

I am totally awed by this man's greatness. He was so commited to Yiddishkeit,Bnei Yisroel, and Eretz Yisroel. May his family be comforted and may this war end speedily in our days. Mashiach now!

(14)
Albert Moel,
January 6, 2009 1:15 PM

YOU ARE A HERO

You give your life not only for Israel but for all the Jewish people. May You Rest In Peace Dvir,

(13)
Yoheved,
January 6, 2009 12:04 PM

A Hero Indeed

Dvir is a hero, as well as all who are fighting or have fought and now died for Yisrael. This story really brings the message to us that live far away, and allows us to mourn with you. May we all... along with Dvir, see the day when all bloodshed will cease and a great peace embrace the world. May the grace of G-d comfort all who mourn. Amein

(12)
John Lanier Sr.,
January 6, 2009 11:08 AM

Dvir,like all peace loving soldiers did not flinch to fight.

I, like Dvir answered the call to go to war to help secure freedom for the Vietnamese people from the threat of communism from the North Vietnamese. My father before me did the same in Europe to free the world from Hitlers Facuist regeime. People like us make freedom possible in an evil world.May God bless Dvir's family.

(11)
Kendali Freitas,
January 6, 2009 11:05 AM

The Greatness Of The Young

Thank you for sharing with the world about the life of Dvir Emmanueloff. His greatness of heart is just one more testimony amoung thousads throughtout history of the beauty inside the jewish people. What a treasure you people of Israel carries inside of your soul, the theachings of Torah. May we, gentiles, learn the principals of life with you. Praying for a massive victory over Hamas.
Shalom

(10)
HENK DUIZER,
January 6, 2009 10:50 AM

I HOPE GOD WILL BLESS HIM

I ALWAYS THINK ABOUT THE BATTLE OF KING DAVID AGAINST GOLIATH AND GOD WILL ALWAYS HELP HIS OWN PEOPLE SOMETIMES I WONDER WHY THE GOOD MEN HAS TO GO BUT GOD ONLY KNOWS.
I HOPE THAT GOD WILL HELP HIS FAMILY
GOD BLESSING
HENK FROM HOLLAND (MITNADEV IN ARMY)

(9)
Paula Levin,
January 6, 2009 10:16 AM

what do we do now to deserve his sacrifice

far away in south africa i put my two boys (age three and three months) to sleep, thanking g-d that we are not cowering in terror in a bomb shelter with the sound of rockets exploding into their innocent sleep. we are safe here in south africa in some way because israel exists and because their is an army out there to defend the jewish people wherever they are. my dream is to live in israel, but my boys may also one day have to serve in the army (if wars and armies and weapons are still around). i just wonder what we have done or will do, to warrant that young righteous men like dvir must lay down their lives so that we can live? i have no answers, only questions but all i know is that we must make this world a better place if we are to earn the sacrifice made my dvir and his loved ones, and all of our fallen soldiers. and i wonder do i want my boys to grow up to be the kind of person who, of his own sense of duty, chooses to join his infantry? yes of course, but i also want them to come back safe.

(8)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 10:14 AM

Wonderful article on Dvir.Bless his soul in in peace.

(7)
Chany Gewirtz,
January 6, 2009 9:54 AM

Reading your article out here in Passaic was just what was needed to acutely, at least to some small extent, feel, mourn,and entreat The One Above to bring the redemption & reunite Dvir (and all our other precious boys ) with their loved ones.May his memory be blessed.

(6)
Suzanne Gerard,
January 6, 2009 9:48 AM

He was a hero

I did not know Dvir Emmanueloff yet I did. I'm sure if we compared notes, our grandmothers told us the same stories, taught us the same lessons, our mothers used the same loving expressions and gave us the same warmth and love. We are all one family and we just lost one of our finest members.

(5)
Linda,
January 6, 2009 9:45 AM

What a Blessing

this young mans life was to others, I'm sorry it had to end. what a contrast to what the terrorists teach their young men., only to destroy people. this is love at it's finest. to give of your own life for others.
May God comfort and quicken his family and friends in their grief. II will be praying for them.

(4)
Sharon,
January 6, 2009 9:41 AM

Now I'm more mournful

I'd read of Dvir's death in the newspaper, but only after reading this have I trully been moved by it. Thanks for turning Dvir from a statistic to a beautiful and precious person

(3)
Stella,
January 6, 2009 9:40 AM

May your name be blessed for ever!!!

Your are our hero!!! May you rest in peace!!!

(2)
Shraga,
January 6, 2009 9:39 AM

Beautiful thoughts

Thank you for (once again) putting expression to what we are feeling.

(1)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2009 9:02 AM

One life is too much

The death of this beautiful young man, and the sorrow that every Jew who knows of it feels, is what all this is really about.
We understand, and always have. We know, that the value of one life is beyond measure, and that we do not need for many to die, to feel the pain. The news keeps reporting the numbers, but for Jews, the numbers are not what matters. What matters is one. One life is all it takes. One life to grieve. One life to celebrate. One life.....only one.
Sadly, there will be more. Rest in peace Dvir, your life, your one life, mattered. Your one life is all our lives. We will not forget.